For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                               Contact:  Kimberly Steenhoek

Tuesday, March 14, 2006                                                                                                                                                                    (515) 281-6571

 

Democrats Stonewall Debate on Marriage Amendment in Senate State Government Committee

 

DES MOINES – Senate Republicans today blasted Democrat members of the Senate State Government Committee for obstructing committee debate on the proposed constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

 

“The Democrats are stonewalling debate on the marriage amendment,” said Sen. David Miller (R-Fairfield), who is a member of the State Government Committee.  “We believe there is bipartisan support and enough votes to get this amendment passed out of the committee, but when we try to bring up the issue, the Democrats run away.”

 

During the State Government Committee meeting today, Republican senators tried to bring up the amendment for discussion.  In response, the Democrats walked out of the room, effectively bringing an end to the meeting, even though it had not been officially adjourned.

 

“The Democrats walked out on the marriage amendment,” said Sen. Bob Brunkhorst (R-Waverly), another committee member.  “This is nothing but a political strategy to block debate on this amendment.  Unfortunately, they’ve shut down the State Government Committee in the process.  That means important business will not be taken up by committee members.” 

 

Currently, the State Government Committee stands in recess.  Co-Chair Larry McKibben (R-Marshalltown) has called for the committee to resume its business at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

 

 “With the lawsuit pending in Polk County, the Democrats old argument that a constitutional change is no longer needed simply doesn’t work,” said Miller. “This issue needs to be decided by the people of Iowa, not by seven people in black robes across the street.”

 

 

###